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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Maybe because my final dress fitting is Friday and I’m “trying” to not stuff my face every opportunity I get, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about food lately. And with exactly 2 weeks until Ryan and I leave for Wyoming, I really can’t stop thinking about the food in Jackson Hole. Especially, the food we’re going to have at the wedding! Jackson Hole is famous for having some of the most amazing chefs and restaurants in the country. Culinary experts have descended upon Jackson Hole to share the art of their trade, and have made the Jackson Hole dining experience one not to forget. There is a remarkably diverse assemblage of Jackson Hole restaurants, from coffee and breakfast shops to simple family-style cooking to the latest in nouveau French cuisine.

Back in February on our whirlwind weekend wedding trip to Jackson, Ryan and I did a tasting with our caterer, Bistro Catering. We had heard amazing things about Bistro, and just looking over their extensive and impressive menu (I mean like 4 pages of hors d’oeuvres) I was sure we made a good choice…I just wasn’t sure how we’d ever decide what to serve! Everything sounded amazing.

Ryan and I are very lucky because we have nearly identical taste in food, so we almost always like the same things. And we usually have the same gripes about food at weddings: the portions are tiny and overcooked, the vegetarian option is terrible (and I always feel like a jerk giving my plate back to the waiter and having to ask for it), and you never get a choice about what you want to eat. So, we decided to fix that problem. First of all, we wanted to give our guests plenty of entrée options to choose from. Not everyone likes chicken. Not everyone likes beef. Choices are good! We knew wanted to stay true to our location and give our guests a taste of the Wild West, so we decided to go with local Jackson Hole mountain cuisine for the main entrees (rainbow trout, bison and chicken). We made sure portion size was appropriate for hungry mountain appetites. We were also happy with the vegetarian option, and we even added a few additional vegetarian hors d'oeuvres as well. And since our entrees were relatively basic, we got a little fancier with the hors d’oeuvres we picked out. Everything we tried was amazing! It was so hard to narrow down the choices. Ryan and I decided to silently each pick our favorites and (since we have identical tastes) we ended up picking the exact same items! Easy as pie.

Do you want to make real cowyboy Wyoming food at home? I bought this cookbook while I was in Jackson last year and it's got some really great recipies. You have to try the Blue Corn Tortilla Soup and the Scallops with Frizzled Spinach, Carrots, and Citrus Beurre Blanc. Amazing! I'd love to give each of you a copy of this cookbook in your welcome bag, but unfortunately, we didn't win Powerball. However, you can get it in nearly every gift shop in Jackson, as well as online. Give it a shot!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Hello everyone! Can you believe it’s almost time to head to Jackson? Less than three weeks until the wedding!

I just wanted to give you all a little more info on the weekend events in Jackson Hole (this is me multi-tasking). We’re still working out all the details, but below is the updated itinerary. This is not completed and subject to change (my lawyer disclaimer), but should give you a basic idea of when and where things are.

*PLEASE NOTE: The time of the rehearsal dinner has changed! Jackson Hole Mountain Resort just informed us that they’ve changed their summer schedule and the gondola will not start running in the evenings until 5:30 p.m. That will be the earliest we can take the gondola up to the top of the mountain. There will be a cocktail hour starting at 5:30 and dinner will be around 6:30.

Please let us know if you have any questions or would like any additional information. We’re really looking forward to celebrating with you in Wyoming!!

Wednesday, July, 8th

8:00 p.m. – JH Rodeo in Jackson--Optional for anyone in town and interested in joining us--$12.00 Adults

Thursday, July 9th

During the day – Guys fishing trip--Optional for any guys that want to fish – talk to Ryan about details

8:00 p.m. – Welcome to Jackson Hole Cocktail Reception--E.leaven - 175 Center Street in Jackson--Hosted by Dave and Jeanne Kennedy--Casual attire--Followed by a night out on the town

Sunday, June 21, 2009

On this Father's Day I would like to take a minute to honor and thank all the great fathers in my life. First of all, there is my own amazing father. He's smart, funny, generous, caring, and has always been my role model. He has been so amazing and supportive during this wedding planning process and has welcomed Ryan into the family with open arms. Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Next is my grandpa Gary. Gramps has also served in the father role for me growing up. As his oldest grandkid, we have a special bond that started when I was just a few days old and has continued until today. Whether we're sitting around talking about NASCAR, hunting, golf or Mizzou football, I'm always wearing a huge grin and loving every minute of it. I couldn't have asked for a better gramps.

And a big Happy Father's Day to my future father-in-law, Dr. M!! He's done such a great job with Ryan, it makes me sure that Ryan's going to be an amazing dad someday too. Thanks for everything you've done for us. I'm really looking forward to dancing with you at the wedding and becoming a part of this great family.

And last but not least, Happy Father's Day to Ryan. Even though we don't have any human children yet, you're the best dad to my "kids" that I could ever ask for. Mally and Jigs and I are so lucky to have you!!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

During this wedding planning process we have really been incredibly blessed with so many wonderful friends and family members that have been so generous and amazing in helping us celebrate our wedding. On Sunday, Ryan's parents' friends Anne and Jim East hosted an amazing couple's shower for us. Cocktails followed by a delicious dinner at Lorenzo's on the Hill in St. Louis. The food was outstanding and the company was an absolute delight! It was a wonderful night and we both had a great time. Thank you so much Jim and Anne!!